This Crock pot little smokies recipe makes a sweet and spicy 3 ingredient appetizer that goes great with everything! Dip them in barbecue sauce, or enjoy this classic Southern snack on its own.
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Slow Cooker Tips and Tricks
Using a slow cooker to make these mini sausages? Here are some important tips to know.
When using a slow cooker, prepare the night prior to cooking by prepping the ingredients in the slow cooker and leaving it in the fridge until morning, then reheat your dish when it’s ready to cook. Use the low heat setting to allow your smokies to cook for the next few hours, so you can come back to a delicious potluck appetizer when they’re ready.
Why This Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe is a Keeper
These mini smoked sausages are the perfect appetizer for any occasion, as they’re addictive and easy to make! They are easy to cook, you literally just set it and forget it. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to try this easy smokie recipe:
- Easy Prep for the Best Little Smokies Recipe: This recipe uses 3 simple ingredients. Just pour the sauce over your smokies and leave them in the slow cooker.
- Easy Ingredients: The ingredients for this crockpot BBQ little smokies recipe are cheap and easy, and can likely be found at home or your local grocery store.
- Crowd Pleaser: One crock pot can make lots of mini hot dogs, so they’re perfect for a cookout, game day, or potluck with your family and friends. Everyone always asks for them.
Are Little Smokies Precooked?
Yes; lil smokies come already cooked and smoked. You can eat them right out of the bag, but they’re better warm and drenched in tangy, flavorful sauces. Cooking the smokies in the crock pot makes them softer and juicier. If you’re using frozen smokies, let them thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Easy Appetizer Recipe Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies
- Grape Jelly Little Smokies: Grape jelly will provide a sweet contrast to the little smokies sauce.
- Lil Smokies: You can use beef or pork smokies for the Crock pot little smokies recipe. Make sure to drain the package before cooking them.
See the recipe card at the bottom of the page for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for Sweet and Savory Smokies with BBQ Sauce and Grape Jelly
- Barbecue Sauce: Use a BBQ sauce to the crockpot cocktail weenies, or switch out the chili sauce for a more mild variation. Make your own or store bought barbecue sauce will also work.
- Seasonings: Try seasoning your smokies with red pepper flakes and garlic powder.
- Cranberry Sauce: Switch the grape jelly for cranberry sauce for a more tart Crock pot little smokies recipe.
Special Equipment Needed to Make Crockpot Little Smokies
- Crock Pot: A crock pot or slow cooker is a great way to make your cocktail smokies tender and full of flavor.
How to Make BBQ Lil Smokies in a Crock Pot
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These are the basic steps for making 3-ingredient Little Smokies. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Step 1: Prep for the Smokies Appetizer
Open the package of cocktail sausages and drain the liquid out completely. Add the little smokies to your slow cooker or crock pot.
Step 2: Little Smokies Sauce
Pour the grape jelly and chili sauce over the smokies. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to combine the chili sauce and jelly as they melt.
Recipe FAQs to Make Little Smokie Weenies Appetizer
Expert Tips for Making Crock Pot Cocktail Smokies the Perfect Appetizer
Make this recipe with different barbecue sauce flavors. You can make little smokies with a spicier sauce, a tangy sauce or a smokie sauce. Whatever has the best flavor. It is an easy recipe and a crowd pleaser for sure.
- Wing Sauce: Dip the smokies in wing sauce or spicy chile sauce for a burst of extra flavor.
- Mini Meatballs Recipe: Use the sauce to cook mini meatballs in the slow cooker.
- More Ideas: To flavor your smokies in the crock pot, you can add light brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or ketchup.
- Bacon: Make bacon wrapped smokies for a savory easy appetizer. Wrap each little smokie individually in a piece of cooked bacon, then stick a toothpick through them.
- Freeze: These crockpot smokies also freeze beautifully. Thaw in the fridge until ready to reheat in the oven or microwave. They are perfect for any occasion.
Crock Pot Little Smokies Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Crock Pot or Slow Cooker
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Ingredients
- 14 ounces Lil Smokies Sausages
- 12 ounces Chili Sauce
- 12 ounces Grape Jelly
Instructions
- Drain the liquid from the package of Smokies.
- Place Smokies in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour chili sauce and grape jelly over Smokies.
- Cover and cook on low for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to combine the chili sauce & the grape jelly as the jelly melts.
Christina’s Notes
- Wing Sauce: Dip the smokies in wing sauce or chile sauce for a burst of extra flavor.
- Mini Meatballs Recipe: Use the sauce to cook mini meatballs in the slow cooker.
- More Ideas: To flavor your smokies in the crock pot, you can add light brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or ketchup.
- Bacon: Make bacon wrapped smokies for a savory easy appetizer. Wrap each little smokie individually in a piece of cooked bacon, then stick a toothpick through them.
- Freeze: These crockpot smokies also freeze beautifully. Thaw in the fridge until ready to reheat in the oven or microwave. They are perfect for any occasion.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.